Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel Rome on a Budget

Tanya Carlos

Last updated 4 Jun 2025

Rome is one of those bucket-list cities that you can’t help but fall in love with. Between the ancient ruins, sun-drenched piazzas, and the scent of fresh espresso wafting through the air, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

But here’s the best part: you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the Eternal City.

Yes, Rome can be pricey—but with a little planning, it’s totally possible to experience the best of the city without spending a fortune. It’s all about knowing where to go, what to skip, and how to stretch your euros wisely.

To help you out, here are quick and easy tips to enjoy Rome on a budget—without missing out on a single thing 🏛️✨

11 Rome Budget Tips: How to Make Every Euro Count

1. Travel to Rome during shoulder season ✈️

Want to see Rome at its best without the sky-high prices? Plan your trip during the shoulder seasons—spring (March-May) or fall (September to November). You’ll score cheaper flights, enjoy lower hotel rates, and skip the peak-season crowds that flood the city in summer.

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Plus, the weather? Absolutely dreamy, especially when in Rome in November. Expect mild temperatures, sunny skies, and just enough of a breeze to make that first gelato of the day feel like heaven. You’ll also find shorter lines at popular attractions and more elbow room at restaurants!

2. Save on Rome attractions with the Klook Pass Rome 🎟️

If you’ve got a checklist full of iconic Roman landmarks, the Klook Pass Rome is a game-changer. This digital pass gives you entry to some of the city’s biggest sights—like the Sistine Chapel, Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more—all while saving up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets.

The Klook Pass Rome also gives you fast-track access at many sites, so you’ll breeze past long lines and spend more time actually enjoying the views!

3. Skip bottled water—use Rome’s free fountains ⛲

No need to buy bottled water every time you’re thirsty. Rome has over 1,500 free drinking fountains, known as “nasoni”, scattered all around the city. Just bring a reusable bottle, and you’ve got cold, clean water on tap at no extra cost.

Compare that to spending €1–2 every time you grab bottled water from a shop or vendor. Over a few days, that adds up fast. So ditch the plastic, fill up as you go, and enjoy a refreshing way to save money!

Klook Tip: When you find a “nasoni” with two tiny holes, cover one and the other will shoot a steady jet of water up. Use this trick to drink easily without bending down—just like a local!

4. Explore churches & other sites for free art 🖼️

You don’t need a museum ticket to be wowed by Renaissance masterpieces, just step inside one of Rome’s historic churches. San Clemente, Santa Maria del Popolo, and dozens of others offer jaw-dropping art, ancient mosaics, and centuries-old architecture for free.

These churches are beautiful and full of surprises—think works by Caravaggio and Michelangelo hidden in plain sight. Keep your eyes open too for even smaller neighborhood churches often hold stunning frescoes, sculptures, and ceilings that rival any museum.

It doesn’t stop there. There are more free things to do in Rome that are worth a spot in your itinerary. One of our favorites is spending an afternoon in parks like Villa Borghese. Here you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the grounds’ beautiful gardens, and you could even rent bikes or boats for a small fee.

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5. Get a Klook eSIM before you land 📲

Skip the hassle (and cost) of roaming fees by setting up a Klook eSIM Europe before your Rome trip. It’s a digital SIM card that you can activate before you even leave home. Just land, activate, and you’re online—simple as that.

Compared to the cost of airport SIMs or renting pocket Wi-Fi, this is a smarter, cheaper way to go. Plus, you’ll have instant access to Google Maps, translation apps, your Klook bookings, and more. It’s one of those tiny upgrades that make your whole trip smoother.

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6. Take the Rome Big Bus, skip multiple taxis 🚌

Getting around Rome doesn’t have to mean juggling metro routes or shelling out for taxis. Hop on the Rome Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and cruise by all the major landmarks with zero stress. It’s scenic, flexible, and way more fun than sitting in traffic.

For the price of one or two taxi rides, you get unlimited rides all day. Plus, you’ll catch audio commentary that gives you the backstory on what you’re seeing. Want to linger at the Spanish Steps or grab a coffee near the Colosseum? Hop off, explore, and hop back on when you’re ready.

7. Use public transportation 🚃

If you’d like to explore beyond Rome’s major landmarks, consider using public transportation; it’s the best way to get around Rome on a budget. For added convenience, there are metro passes, like the Roma City Pass, that allow you unlimited access on Rome’s public transportation. You can use these passes on either Rome’s buses, metro, or even trams.

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8. Eat like locals—skip tourist menus 🍝🤌🏻

When it comes to eating in Rome, the best meals are found away from the tourist crowds. Look for local “trattorias” (casual, family-run Italian eateries) with handwritten signs and menus in Italian. These are the places where the food is fresh, the portions are generous, and the prices don’t make you do a double-take. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Klook Tip: If you see a “menu turistico” or cover charge over €3, keep exploring. There’s better pasta and local vibes just around the corner!

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9. Stay outside Rome’s historic center 🏛️

You don’t have to sleep in the shadow of the Colosseum to feel close to the action. Neighbourhoods like Trastevere, Testaccio, and San Lorenzo offer cheaper stays and some of the best food in the city. They’re local favourites for a reason.

Better yet, you can make the most of Rome’s public transportation cause these areas are just a quick tram or metro ride away from the main attractions. Plus, you’ll get to explore a side of Rome that most tourists miss—think lively piazzas, street art, and late-night gelato with the locals.

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10. Book the Leonardo Express, skip the airport taxi 🚊

Taxis from Fiumicino Airport to the city centre can set you back around €50—but the Leonardo Express train? Just €14, and it gets you to Termini Station in 30 minutes flat. No traffic, no meter stress—just an easy, direct ride into Rome.

Want to make it even smoother? Book your ticket on Klook and skip the queue at the station. You’ll get a mobile QR code to scan and go, no printing needed. It’s the kind of simple swap that saves both money and time—always a win when you’re travelling.

11. Shop local markets, not tourist shops 🛍️

Forget overpriced souvenir stands—Rome’s local markets are where the real treasures are. Campo de' Fiori and Mercato Testaccio are packed with character, fresh food, handmade goods, and plenty of local flavour.

You’ll find everything from olive oil and fresh pasta to vintage trinkets and colourful ceramics, all at better prices than the shops near major landmarks. Chat with the vendors, sample a few bites, and leave with something that feels truly Roman. Shopping has never felt this fun—or this affordable.

Budget Travel FAQs for Rome

Can you visit Rome on a budget?

Absolutely! Rome may be rich in history, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little savvy planning—think travel passes, free attractions, and local eats—you can soak up the Eternal City without blowing your budget. You’ll still get those jaw-dropping views, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable moments—just for less.

How much money do I need for 3 days in Rome?

For a 3-day Roman holiday, plan to budget between €300 and €600 (around $325–$650 USD) per person. This covers comfy accommodation, food, transport, and entry to a few key attractions.

Want to stretch your euros even further? Travel in the off-season, use a Klook Pass, and opt for free experiences like exploring piazzas and churches.

What month is the cheapest to go to Rome?

Visit Rome during the shoulder seasons: March through May, and September through November. During these months, you’ll find flights and hotels at friendlier prices, and the city’s vibe is calmer without the summer crowds.

How many days do you really need in Rome?

If it’s your first time in Rome, plan for at least 3–4 days to get a good taste of the city. That gives you time to see the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, and still enjoy a few leisurely meals and strolls.

Is Rome cheaper than the US?

It depends on where you’re coming from in the States, but many travellers find Rome surprisingly affordable. Dining out, transport, and even attraction passes often cost less than major US cities. Plus, with smart choices—like staying in local neighborhoods and using free drinking fountains—you can keep your daily spend in check without missing out.

What’s the cheapest way to travel around Rome?

The metro is your budget-friendly bestie—fast, reliable, and just €1.50 per ride. But if you want to cover more ground and see the sights, hop on a Klook Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour. It’s cheaper than taxis, super scenic, and lets you explore at your own pace without the stress of public transport schedules.

Enjoy Rome Without Breaking the Bank 💸

Rome is living proof that you don’t need to spend big to experience something unforgettable. With these smart tips, you can soak up the history, art, food, and culture — and still have euros left for gelato 🍦🇮🇹

What is Klook?

Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.

Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.

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